Meaningful to ME.

Tattoos.
Yep, I have 'em.
..and no...
I do not care if you like them or approve of them.

I will admit that my first tattoo was a mistake - it meant nothing to me I just wanted it to say I had one. It turned out awful and it is a constant reminder never to get a tattoo that doesn't mean anything to you.

Since then - I haven't.

I have started a piece on my leg of one of my favorite artists Amy Brown. My mom and I have always loved her - she got me something Amy Brown EVERY year for Christmas. It is just us. She got her favorite fairy drawing tattooed on her leg and it has always been something I wanted to mimic ever since she died. It is VERY meaningful to me because it reminds me of our happy times together, our similarities, and has come to symbolize her in heaven looking down on me. When it is completed - I will have added a fairy that symbolizes ME and will work them in together. I will NEVER regret that.

My other two are also very close to my heart. I got 'love' tattooed on my wrist with my friend Jenny on TWLOHA day(To Write Love on Her Arms) which is an organization for suicide, self mutilation, and depression. OBVIOUSLY very close to my heart - it will always remind me of my mom and anyone else who suffers from depression - because I got it ON TWLOHA day specifically in remembrance and support of those who do live with such painful disorders. The most recent one is 'faith' on my wrist. Not only does it symbolize my walk with Christ, my transformation as a person - but it is also my daughter's middle name. I HATE name tattoos - I will never get one, but this holds double meaning for me.

No matter what anyone says, thinks, or 'sees' in me because of these tattoos, I am comfortable in my decision to have gotten them. Save the criticisms for yourself - open your mind and practice what you preach. We are all created equal in the eyes of God - He loves me AS IS and part of ME is how I choose to express myself. Instead of criticizing me for having one in the first place - ask me what it means to means.

Ask me what memories it keeps bright in my mind - ask me if I don't DESPERATELY need something to remind me of good times with someone that I loved dearly ...in which I struggle daily to remember in a positive light. Tell me that I shouldn't change anything God gave me and I'll ask you why you don't question people who dye their hair, pierce their ears, or WEAR CLOTHING for that matter.

I don't like being criticized for having tattoos - I guess that comes with the territory. At least I know that it means something to me NO MATTER WHAT anyone says to me. My tattoos bring me cherished memories and daily awareness of the things closest to my heart...that is something no one can take away!